Tony winner Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof, She Loves Me, Fiorello) penned book, music and lyrics to the musical based on the Moliere classic. David Glenn Armstrong directs.
The 7:30 PM presentation launches the annual Inge Festival, which will run through April 16 in Independence, KS.
In addition to Huffman (The Producers), Rapp (Rent), Moses (Beauty and the Beast) and Schuck (Annie), the cast includes Alan Safier (Goodnight Gracie), Patrick Richwood (The Foreigner), Elena Shaddow (La Cage aux Folles), Cynthia Hyer and Dean Hayse.
According to the festival, "The story involves a woodcutter who is manipulated by his spiteful wife into masquerading as a physician. A wealthy man summons the woodcutter to treat his daughter, who is victim of a curiously sudden and mysterious ailment."
"Most Broadway shows would be thrilled to have an ensemble cast as good as this,” said Inge Center artistic director Peter Ellenstein in a statement. "It is a great privilege and joy to host these fine artists and to help Sheldon Harnick continue to develop this exciting show. Independence is fast becoming a premiere showcase for America’s great playwrights." Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Marsha Norman will also be presented with the Inge Festival Distinguished Achievement in the American Theatre Award as part of the 30th annual festival.
Norman authored the Tony-winning libretto to The Secret Garden, as well as the award-winning play 'night Mother. She also penned the books for the musicals The Color Purple and The Red Shoes.
The 7:30 PM tribute to Norman on April 16 will feature Daisy Eagan, who originated the role of Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden, as well as Tony-winning stage veteran Elizabeth Wilson (Sticks and Bones, A Delicate Balance, Waiting in the Wings), Alan Safier, Uzo Aduba, Harnick and Moses.
The William Inge Theatre Festival is held at the playwright's alma mater, the Independence Community College.
For more information on the Inge Festival and other Inge Center activities, contact (800) 842-6063, ext. 5492 or visit IngeCenter.